Effective Dispute Resolution

Effective Dispute Resolution addresses matters related to due process procedures such as mediations, hearings and complaints. The due process team provides training for mediators and hearing officials, school personnel, agency personnel and parents. Technical assistance is available to school districts and parents.

Due Process Hearing Decisions. Maine's Hearing Decisions (referred to as "complaint" decisions under the IDEA) are the opinions of hearing officers assigned to determine whether violations of law under IDEA and/or State special education laws or regulations have occurred. Findings of violation result in a hearing order. From 1997 through June 30, 2006, the hearing decisions are divided by calendar year; from July 1, 2006, forward, the decisions are divided by the State fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

State Complaint Investigation Reports. Maine's State Complaint Investigation Reports contain findings of Maine's Education Commissioner as to whether violations of law under IDEA and/or State special education laws or regulations have occurred. Findings of violation result in a corrective action plan.

Dispute Resolution Procedures & Forms. Guidance regarding mediations, individual and systemic State complaint investigations, and hearings is provided. Model forms with the elements required under the IDEA are also available.

DISCLAIMER
Except for the redaction of personally identifiable information (parents' and students' names and students' age/grade level), the hearing decisions posted on this web site as of July 1, 2008, are the verbatim hearing decisions issued by the hearing officers in Due Process Complaints (also referred to as Due Process Administrative Hearings).